Data treatment
A Scenario Explorer
Click the button below to visit the OpenMod4Africa scenario explorer.
Our Scenario Explorer will include open data for the energy and power system in a number of African countries.
The scenario explorer will include consistent scenarios for the development of the African energy system to low-carbon futures. The scenarios provide valuable insights about the future energy system based on present assumptions of opportunities and barriers to reach a clean and secure energy supply for Africa. The scenarios will be flexible, making it possible for users to adjust the input, as well as the energy system model, according to their own needs. In this way, it is possible to conduct new scenario building using different assumptions (for example fuel prices) to the present ones.
A common format and nomenclature
The models of the Toolbox are connected in such way that they complement each other, using the results of one model as the source for another. This makes it possible to expand analyses to answer complex questions covering more dimensions, and to provide more comprehensive answers to policy makers and other interested stakeholders.
The models upload data to and download data from the Scenario Explorer using a common data format and a nomenclature. A key requirement for an effective linking of models and consistent analysis is a common data format and a “nomenclature”. This means shared lists of variables, regions and units. The common generic data format is based on a template developed by the Integrated Assessment Modeling Consortium (IAMC) and is already in use in many model comparison projects at the global and national level.
Modelling and sharing scenario results requires substantial data wrangling and utility functions for unit conversion and aggregation/downscaling across sectoral, spatial and temporal scales. This Open Energy System Modelling Toolbox uses the open-source Python package pyam for scenario processing and visualization.
Data in the IAMC format can be processed using the Pyam package.
Horizon Europe research project OpenMod4Africa develops complete and consistent scenarios for the ongoing expansion of Africa’s energy system. The work is done in open collaboration with stakeholders through workshops. The scenarios will provide valuable insights about Africa’s future energy system.
